December Is A Time For Disruption!
by Lisa Norman
December is approaching, and I'm thrilled to introduce "Disruptive December" here on Writers in the Storm!
A Month of Disruption and Innovation
This is not just any month. It's a chance for us to bring together voices from every corner of the writing world—authors, marketers, librarians, and more—all sharing their best insights on how we can disrupt, innovate, and transform the way we publish, sell, and thrive in the book industry.
We want to spark meaningful conversations. To challenge the status quo. To explore the new and the bold. It's about connecting all parts of our industry and fostering change, together.
The Inspiration Behind Disruptive December
The idea for "Disruptive December" took shape after I attended the "Rise and Disrupt" conference by the Independent Book Publishers Association in May. I went in hoping for radical, inspiring conversations—the kind that leave you buzzing with possibilities. But, as it turned out, it was a little more conventional than I'd expected.
That experience planted a seed. I thought: what if we could create our own space for truly disruptive discussions? And so, "Disruptive December" was born—an opportunity to bring together disruptors from all areas of the publishing ecosystem for real, honest dialogue.
A Community of Disruptors
While this isn’t a full-blown conference, it is an opportunity for us—as a community—to share, learn, and maybe even shake things up a bit. We have a fantastic lineup of contributors, including Morgana Best, author of Stop Making Others Rich: How Authors Can Make Bank By Selling Direct, Joe Biel from Microcosm Publishing, along with others from marketing experts to indie publishing pioneers, all ready to share their perspectives.
Setting the Stage
Throughout December, we’ll be featuring innovative voices sharing their expertise. The goal is simple: to create a welcoming space where writers, publishers, and industry pros can share actionable ideas for navigating and leading change—all without the drama.
Join the Conversation
This isn’t just about us sharing our thoughts—it's about you, too. We want you to jump into the discussion. Share your experiences. Comment. Ask questions. Be part of the dialogue. The more perspectives we have, the more we all grow.
Change is coming, and we have the power to shape it. Let’s make "Disruptive December" impactful, supportive, and above all, empowering for everyone involved.
Let’s Get Disruptive—Together
I can’t wait to see where these conversations lead. Let’s get disruptive—together.
If you could change one thing in the writing industry, what would it be? Tell us in the comments below.
* * * * * *
About Lisa
Lisa Norman's passion has been writing since she could hold a pencil. While that is a cliché, she is unique in that her first novel was written on gum wrappers. As a young woman, she learned to program and discovered she has a talent for helping people and computers learn to work together and play nice. When she's not playing with her daughter, writing, or designing for the web, she can be found wandering the local beaches.
Lisa writes as Deleyna Marr and is the owner of Deleyna's Dynamic Designs, a web development company focused on helping writers, and Heart Ally Books, LLC, an indie publishing firm.
Interested in learning more from Lisa? Sign up for her newsletter or check out her school, No Stress Writing Academy, where she teaches social media, organization, technical skills, and marketing for authors!
Top image by Deleyna via Midjourney.
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31 comments on “December Is A Time For Disruption!”
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Sounds an exciting idea. Looking forward to it.
It'll be an adventure!
I love this idea of 'Disruptive December'. And while I have not participated directly in the writing industry, I watch it knowing I will approach it more actively soon, i.e., beyond writing. I sense that traditional publishing has let us down, overall, as writers, catering to those who are 'lucky' (known already, in the right place, right time, etc.). I have always wanted to publish traditionally, but now feel like that would be selling my soul. I would like the writing industry to be more true to the writer and their aspirations. Honestly, I don't think everyone wants to be a bestseller. Some of us just want to reach our niche. So, I guess I would like the writing industry to be open to those of us who write for niches that is perhaps much less inclined to be a best seller. Open the market to all writers not just the few and famous. I suppose that is what indie publishing is, but I gather indie publishing is still frowned upon in many circles, especially those who promote works as award contenders.
Wow, who knew I would spout? I really just wanted to say: Lisa, this is a fantastic idea and I look forward to seeing what transpires!
Jennifer - this is EXACTLY what this month is about! Encouraging YOU and others to think about what you want from the industry and what needs to change or could be changed that would make that happen.
I will say that everything in the industry is changing to make your wish come true.
Great idea, Lisa. 🙂 I can't wait to read them all.
Me, too, Laura!
Shake it up! Brilliant writing isn't born from the status quo.
Nancy - so true!!!
Lisa, this is such a great idea. I'm looking forward to everyone's posts and comments, to learning, and to sharing.
I'm really excited to share some of the folks that will be posting this month, along with the amazing posts I see coming together from our regulars! We're having fun!
I'm in. I'm at a point, after being traditionally published, that I am seeking info into different options. Don't be static. Always be open to change, after careful consideration.
Woohoo, Catherine! Every voice that takes part in the discussion will help add nuances and information. You have that traditional experience to bring to the table. I look forward to hearing from you in the discussions!
I've always understood ebooks, audiobooks, and self-publishing to be innovative and disruptive. I went through a couple of e-publishers in the 2000's.
Since 2010, I've self-published my books through Amazon Kindle and have been adapted into audiobooks through ACX, available through Audible, since 2013.
But I never completely querying agents and publishers. In fact, I still submit to short story magazines and anthologies. In addition to the above methods, I wonder if being a hybrid author embracing both traditional and self-pub are the true innovation.
That's a very valid approach, Justin. There's a lot of power in having the best of both! Authors have more choices than ever these days.
I'd like to see an entity emerge that has the sole job of reading self pubbed books to determine quality for entry into bookstores.... where they can be discovered by shoppers.
Oooh. I love that idea. Now we need to figure out how to fund them...
Sounds like a great idea to me.
Thanks, Raymond!
This should be interesting. It's a great idea! Kudos to you and the WITS team. You all rock!
What would I change? Hmm... I haven't a clue.
The publishing world is in such an upheaval right now that I confess I'm sitting out for a space. I loved being a hybrid author. Self-publishing offered delightful freedom, but I also deeply appreciated what traditional publishers did for me. Now, the entire publishing world has turned into a rat-race of sorts.
Oh, wait! I do know one thing I'd like to change. I wish publishers would go back to the original concept of taking the time and expense of promoting and building the career of an author they believe in. The current philosophy is that they throw a party for the first book, and if it doesn't fly high enough, they're done. (And that means even if a book only misses the mark by a couple hundred copies in sales the first few months.)
I'm looking forward to the disruption. Let disturbance begin.
That's a solid point, Kathleen. I wonder... what is funding the publishers? One of the problems all publishers (of all types) are struggling with right now is funding... and I have talked to at least a few smaller trad publishers who miss doing exactly that. Hmmm....
Historically the big NY publishers have always run in the red. Their objectives were to survive as cultural influencers rather than to turn a profit. It’s no different now even though they are now four big conglomerates.
I don’t know how small publishers function. They probably have varied objectives, but I suspect it’s an exceptionally tough marketplace for them, isn’t it? Especially any who are in it for the love of literature. You are our resident expert. I’m curious what you think.
Stay tuned, Kathleen. We'll have a post this month from the fastest growing indie publisher to talk about this!
I will say that for me, I wish I could do much more for my authors. But my house runs in the black. Otherwise, we'd risk losing everything which doesn't help anyone... I see too many small publishers fail because they took risks, pushed past their safety limits, and then lost the whole house... leaving all of those books and authors without a safety net.
Brilliant! I can’t wait.
Thank you for doing this.
Love this idea! Don't have any ideas for specific changes right off the top of my head, but this has set me thinking...
Great! Hopefully this month will give us all a lot of ideas!
Bring it on!
We're going to have fun, Denise!
I love this theme!
Honestly, I'd love if there were more remote roles in the publishing industry. It's not feasible for me to jump ship to a metropolitan area at the drop of a hat. I'd love to participate in internships and learn from the best in the field, but there needs to be more remote growth. And if these roles pay well, that's even better.
L.J. ... pay well? In the PUBLISHING industry! That is a very disruptive and exciting thought!
This sounds fascinating. I'll try to drop by, but I'm hip deep in another project, so we'll see.
Forgot to add, that it will be fun meeting new people and I appreciate the invite.